Neutralizing Acid Indigestion
Introduction
Acid indigestion is a common problem in modern Western society and usually does not indicate something serious. Instead, acid indigestion is a red flag from the body that poor digestion and assimilation is taking place and that the mind and body are not in harmony. This disharmony is the result of the conscious mind failing to listen to the needs of the body and failing to provide the proper foods in the proper way at the proper times.
Symptoms
Almost everyone has had at least one or perhaps all of the symptoms of acid indigestion. Whether manifested in the form of feeling bloated, heavy or just simple discomfort it is the same cause when manifested in the form of dull stomach pain or heartburn. These symptoms are important because they provide a good indication of what is going wrong with the digestive process. Paying close attention to these symptoms is essential for creating a strategy to manage the discomfort.
Causes
In order to solve a problem of this nature it is essential to know the cause behind it. In the case of acid indigestion there are some simple explanations as well as more complex explanations. Some of the simplest causes of acid indigestion can be remedied by simple behavioral changes.
Behavior changes are designed to ensure that you don’t eat…
- At the wrong times (avoid eating two hours before bed)
- Too much at once (fill the stomach only to 75% capacity)
- Too rapidly (chew slowly and thoroughly)
- At irregular intervals (eat at regular times each day)
- While anxious (relax, sit down and enjoy each meal)
- While conducting business
There are more complex issues that may be causing acid indigestion related to diet and what may be termed “weakness” of the digestive system. In the West we don’t usually speak in these terms but it can be an effective way to describe the problem if the terms are used correctly. The digestive system is like a muscle and when it is not challenged it becomes weak and feeble. This weakness results from eating highly processed foods, the wrong quantities of the right foods and too many of the wrong foods.
Dietary Considerations for a “Strong” Digestive System
To strengthen the digestive system it is important to have a diet that includes the right foods in the right amounts. Remember, it is important to note that even too much of a “good” food can be a cause of acid indigestion. It is helpful to examine Figure 1 that is included below. This figure is the “Food Distribution” chart and serves as a guide to help create a diet that is flexible, nutritious and perhaps most importantly – delicious.
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Foods
The Food Distribution chart makes reference to three categories of foods that will not only alleviate the symptoms of acid indigestion but will also strengthen the overall digestive system. Primary Foods include whole grains and proteins in equal portions; Secondary Foods include fresh vegetables in season; Tertiary Foods include dairy, eggs and fruit. (Tierra, 1998) Creating a diet of these proportions may require a significant change not only in the way foods are consumed but in shopping habits and food label inspection. In addition to eating the rights foods, it is also important to combine them in the right way and to prepare them correctly. Since acid indigestion is an indication of a weak digestive system, it may be helpful to cook food slightly longer until digestive strength increases. In addition, it is important to avoid combining the following foods in meals because of the incompatibility of the materials.
(Lad, 2003, Some Useful Tips to Aid Digestion section)
Vitamins and Minerals
Kasimir Funk, one of the original researchers of vitamins in the early 20th century coined the term vital-amines to indicate the importance of certain material intake. Today, these vital-amines are known as vitamins and are recognized universally as essential to good health. Added to these vital dietary components are the essential minerals that are crucial for a strong digestive system. While making the transition to the new diet described above it is advisable to include a high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to support the body’s effort to cleanse itself and build the strength necessary for alleviating acid indigestion. There are many high quality formulas that will work well but they are only available at health food stores. Consumers should avoid purchasing supplements in grocery stores or super stores because the quality tends to be significantly inferior to those supplements available at health food stores. (NOTE: The above list is not meant to be exhaustive but should provide a general idea. To learn more about food combinations to avoid you should review Ayurveda.com and their excellent .pdf file on the subject.)
Kitchen Spices and Supportive Herbs
As the diet changes it is also helpful to use other natural substances to support the proper function of the digestive system. For example, ginger and dandelion are extremely effective herbs that have a demonstrated effect on “exciting” the digestive system to produce enzymes, increase bile activity and improve assimilation. Ginger is a culinary spice that can be added to improve the flavor of the new foods that are part of the changed diet. In particular, ginger is an extremely important herb to add to meat dishes because of its ability to assist the intestines in their work to detoxify the substance. (Tierra, 1998) A dandelion tea taken just prior to a meal may also assist in the problems with acid indigestion as it stimulates enzymes and improves overall liver function. If anxiety is the cause of the acid indigestion it may be helpful to consider a relaxing herb as a precursor to a meal. Chamomile’s characteristic soothing qualities may be just the solution to discomfort caused by an anxious stomach.
Acid Indigestion Keys
It is important to understand that there are many potential causes for acid indigestion but they frequently can be found in the dietary habits of the individual rather than from some other more insidious cause. Taking the time to evaluate the diet and bring it into conformity with known healthy eating patterns will quickly help to alleviate the discomfort associated with the complaint. Naturally, it is important to stick with the changed regimen once the adjustment has been made to prevent acid indigestion from recurring.
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References
Lad, Vasant. (2003). Retrieved September 4, 2005, from Ayurveda.com Web site:
http://www.ayurveda.com/online%20resource/food_combining.pdf
Tierra, Michael. (1998). The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books.
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